Hardware Configurations...etc.

I will be assembling my new computer tommorow from a “Bare Bones” set that i bought and the better parts from my old computer. The new stuff i got includes a P3 500 MHz processor a few cards and a floppy drive.

Is there anything I should keep inmind when installing allt his stuff?

In my opinion? Keep in mind:

The parts can be returned for working/compatable parts.
You do not need the computer to work that night.
The companies that make computer parts are not out to get you.
No one will laugh at you if you screw up.

JMCJ (who has built computers using non-working parts, on a system that needed to be finished that day, with his friends and his girlfriend laughing at him. Okay, not really, but it sure as hell felt that way.)

And, I know you’ve heard it all before (but I’ve seen the sparks fly), keep grounding yourself. During the winter months we seem to be especially vulnerable to static electrical discharge and that does cook parts.

JC’s advise is good. They aren’t too complicated but they aren’t foolproof or anything, but common sense does help. If things don’t fit, don’t go to a big effort to make them, try to figure out why not. Be careful of pin 1, red stripe, such stuff as that when you put it together. Double check and triple check cable orientation before turning on the power for the first time.
Start with the minimum and work up. As, you don’t need sound or a modem to load Windows.
Once it turns on and basically functions, then handle anything else on a one by one basis.

My biggest advice is to take your time. Don’t force things to fit, be strong but gentle.

Sounds like I am writing amanual for sex, but I am totally serious.

My biggest advice is to take your time. Don’t force things to fit, be strong but gentle.

Sounds like I am writing a manual for sex, but I am totally serious.

sorry for the double post

This is exactly what I was looking for. Muy Grazi fellas


“C’mon, it’s not even tomorrow yet…” - Rupert

If you need a graphic solution, http:\ alk.to\Piglet

Carkeys–NOT in shirt pocket.
Beverage–minimum of 100 yards away.

Other than that, use a good flashlight, check the jumpers before installing, and remember that it CAN be done…

Holler at us here if you have problems (assuming you’re able, of course.)

-David
Oh…and keep count on all those lil screws…FOD is bad.

One other thing, don’t panic. If you put everything together right and feel confident to turn it on and all that seems to happen is the fans turn and the lights light, turn it off and check the mother board jumpers again. If you see one that says “clear CMOS”/“normal” make sure it’s in the normal position. If the turbo button is connect to the suspend mode on the mother board, make sure the button is off. There are lot’s of little reasons for it to fail, go back and check the little stuff.

I guess I wonder if your old motherboard will really take a 500 MHz Pentium III, and is the memory you used before fast enough?

Ray (no expert on this stuff)

NanoByte, I would assume that if the OP bought a ‘bare-bones’ kit, that would include a new motherboard. I’ve never seen such a kit advertised that didn’t start with a new MB…

Also, the RAM modules should work, assuming the correct slots are available, without regard to speed. Older RAM may not render the ‘hair-on-fire’ performance that Rory is no doubt looking for, but it WILL work.

RORY! Take your time, dude! Keep in mind that weird little shit – like the wrong polarity when connecting the lead for the HDD activity LED – can blow your mind! (It won’t blow the 'puter’s mind, PROBABLY…)

Build the system one step at a time. That is, add one component, then check for compatibility, errors, etc., then add the next.

Also, assuming that you’re using Windows 95 or 98, it is VERY likely that you’ll have to re-install the OS.

I don’t know why fortune smiles on some and lets the rest go free…

T

Yep, a biggie. Before you handle ANYTHING, go down to yer local Radio Shack. For under $ 6.00 ( last time I got one ), you will buy a grounding wrist strap. Use it. Wear it. Love it…and don’t handle the goodies unless you’re strapped in.
Mah mommah always sayed, “Static discharge is as static discharge duz”.

Cartooniverse

" If you want to kiss the sky, you’d better learn how to kneel. "

Take it one step of the time. In other words, put in the board & chip [easier said than done as boards have jumpers on them that have to be set exactly for the chip speed & type]. put in ram & video card, turn on & check that it works. Then put in floppy drive, check again that it works, & so forth.